Peter Scolari, known for his roles inBosom Buddies,NewhartandGirls, has died. He was 66.
The Emmy Award winner died of cancer on Friday morning following a two-year illness, his manager Ellen Lubin Sanitsky at Wright Entertainment toldVarietyandDeadline.
Scolari’s breakout role came alongsideTom Hanksin the beloved sitcomBosom Buddies, which ran for two seasons from 1980 to 1982 on NBC. They played two single men who disguised themselves as women to gain residence at a women’s-only building, the only apartment they could afford.
The real-life buddies remained close over the years, with Scolari appearing in Hanks' 1996 directorial debutThat Thing You Do!, as well as his 1998 HBO limited seriesFrom the Earth to the Moonand 2004’sThe Polar Express.
Peter Scolari.Michael Tran/FilmMagic
AfterBosom Buddies, Scolari went on to join the CBS sitcomNewhartin its second season in 1984, starring as Michael Harris through its eighth and final season in 1990. His performance earned him three consecutive Emmy Award nominations for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series from 1987 to 1989.
The native New Yorker later appeared inLena Dunham’s hit HBO seriesGirlsas her character Hannah Horvath’s father Tad, who comes out as gay while married to her mother Loreen (Becky Ann Baker). The role earned Scolari an Emmy Award in 2016 for outstanding guest actor in a comedy series.
ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty
Evilco-creator and showrunner Robert King paid tribute to the actor Friday on Twitter.
“Peter Scolari, who died today, was one of the funniest — sneakily funny — actors we’ve worked with,” Kingwrote. “He always took a nothing scene and found different ways to twist it, and throw in odd pauses that made it jump. I will try to collect my thoughts more. He was just wonderful.”
Scolari was also known for his stage roles, appearing on Broadway inWicked,Sly Fox,HairsprayandLucky Guy, reuniting with Hanks, 65, in the latter.
Emma McIntyre/Getty
“According to Ms. Shayne, the only thing that matched his love for his family and his passion for acting was his love of being in service to others,” his manager Ellen Lubin Sanitsky toldVariety.
source: people.com
